Well shucks if we couldn't load that title with even more keywords like "Looney Tunes," "cartoons," "Bugs Bunny," "sunrise," "rising," "spring," "springtime," "renewal," "nature," "pastoral scene," "on the farm," "calm," "flute," "song," etc. And we said "waking up," but did we mention "wake up?"

If you're looking for a piece that matches this description, it's probably one of these:

The "Call To The Cows" section of the "William Tell Overture" by Gioacchino RossiniPreview | iTunes | Amazon

We mention both because they sound strikingly similar to the untrained ear, and they are used interchangeably as musical cues to signify morning - and to set the stage for a new day - in a myriad of movies, TV shows and cartoons (usually accompanied by the sound of birds chirping or a rooster crow).

We mention "Call To The Cows" from Rossini's "William Tell Overture" first because we have observed that it is used just as much as Grieg's "Morning" for this purpose, but never seems to get as much credit. Why? We have a few theories...

1. It doesn't have "morning" in the name. Yeah... Grieg's piece sort of has the advantage there.

2. When most people think of the "William Tell Overture," they think of the kickassical 3.5 minute finale, not the entire 12 minute piece. The "Call To The Cows" portion is from the full overture, which is definitely overshadowed by the finale.

3. Well-meaning experts on other classical music forums see a question about "morning," so they respond with the title "Morning." It's an honest oversight, made by people in a hurry to discuss obscure, complex pieces rather than simple "cartoon music."

The fact is, we have heard from just as many - if not more - people thanking us for helping them to identify "Call To The Cows" from the "William Tell Overture" as the morning music they heard.

FYI, the mp3 is 99 cents at Amazon. Unfortunately, iTunes usually makes you buy the whole album for pieces that are over 10 minutes or so (like this one). One more reason we sometimes prefer Amazon mp3 over iTunes.

Hi - I'm trying to locate a version of Call To the Cows with sound effects - birds chirping, a cow mooing, etc - what you would hear on Bugs Bunny or most recently the Night & Day short that preceded TOY STORY 3. ANy idea where I can find that? I would like to use it to open a scene of a play I am directing. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you! :)

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